Drake Maye is becoming a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye is becoming a legitimate candidate for the Heisman Trophy.

Maye has scored 22 total touchdowns already this season, which is more than any other player in the country. He’s also thrown just 1 interception while leading UNC to a 4-1 start.

According to Heisman Trophy odds

, Maye is +3560 to win the award as of Wednesday afternoon. Maye isn’t amongst the favorites yet, but his odds have risen significantly from the preseason.

Maye has completed 69.7% of his passes for 1,594 yards and 19 passing touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 255 yards and 3 more scores in just 5 games.

Maye is the the second-leading Hei

sman contender from the ACC, trailing only Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. The Tigers’ undefeated record is likely playing a role in his odds being better than Maye’s.

Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud remains the favorite at +134. USC’s Caleb Williams is the next-closest player at +554.

North Carolina has never had a player win the Heisman Trophy, and seldom has a Tar Heel been a strong contender for the award. Maye’s freshman season could be good enough to change that and make history in Chapel Hill.

Maye will be in action again on Saturday in a pivotal matchup at Miami.